Twin Sisters - 7.0 Miles Round-Trip

The Twin Sisters ridge runs nearly two miles along the east-central boundary of Rocky Mountain National Park. A short but strenuous trail leads to a small saddle, and splits up scrambling routes to the respective summits (11,413' and 11,428').

A landslide caused by the 2013 floods wiped out a portion of trail between 1.3 and 1.65 miles. While terrestrial damage is extensive, only this short segment was actually affected, and has since been re-routed across and up the far side of the slide.

The re-route is steep with deadfall in places, but sufficiently marked by cairns (though snow and mud can present greater challenges). Call ahead for trail conditions, especially in winter and during the thaw:

Visitors will enjoy rangy panoramas across Longs Peak, Estes Park and the Continental Divide, along with interesting alpine ecology leading to the summits:

The trail heads south on a steady climb across a west-facing slope through uniform lodgepole. Longs Peak (14,259'), Mt Meeker (13,911'), Mount Lady Washington (13,281'), Powell Peak (13,208') and Estes Cone (11,006') emerge through gaps in the forest at 1.0 miles (9,780').

Look for Mills Glacier in Mills Moraine, a gash in the landscape at the base of Longs Peak's east-facing 'diamond'. Mills Glacier forms the headwaters of Chasm Lake and Roaring Fork Creek.

Timber breaks suddenly on the edge of the landslide with a good look at its entire path (1.3 miles : 9,840'). Cairns lead across the slide and turn sharply up newly-created switchbacks on the far (south) side. Sections may be obscured by deadfall and runoff channels, but are generally easy to follow.

Travel normalizes on the original trail past 1.65 miles, resuming a steady climb on switchbacks across the National Park Boundary into stands of limber pine and bristlecone pine (2.25 miles : 10,650'). These high-alpine trees are specially adapted to poor soil and harsh growing conditions found on this wind-buffeted mountain.

The trail clears treeline (2.9 miles : 11,040') and winds across an exposed talus slope up to a small saddle between the Twin Sisters (3.35 miles : 11,348').

A clear path breaks right above a research facility to the West Summit (3.45 miles : 11,413'), and a vague route leads left on a more challenging scramble to the East Summit (3.5 miles : 11,428'). Exercise caution on these sharp and potentially unstable rocks, especially in windy conditions.

Worth Noting

The trailhead is actually located just east of the Park Boundary, and portions of the trail pass through National Forest Land. No entry fee is required to hike this trail.

There is what some refer to as the 'butterfly burn' on Twin Sisters Mountain's west face. This area - more visible from the trailhead than the trail itself - is an aspen grove whose autumn colors resemble a large 'butterfly'. This is especially visible from the Longs Peak Trail Head.

11,428' - East Twin Sisters Peak | 11,413' - West Twin Sisters Peak

Directions to Trailhead

The Twin Sisters Trailhead is located 6.2 miles south of Estes Park on Highway 7. There's a large sign for the trailhead on the west side of Highway 7 just before the turnoff.

Follow the turnoff .35 miles up the dirt road to the parking area. Parking is only permitted on the right side of the road, and spaces are limited. Walk the remaining 75 yards to find the trailhead on the left side of the dirt road.

Contact Information

Rocky Mountain National Park
Visitor Information:
970.586.1206

Backcountry Office:
970.586.1242

Campground Reservations:
800.365.2267

Emergency Dispatch:
970.586.1203

Trip Reports

There are no trip reports on this trail.

Comments

"Continued erosion of slide area has left mostly jumbled rocks on the slide area. I'd advise against crossing slide area at this time. Turn left when trail reaches slide area, stay to left of slide area and climb to top of slide to regain trail. Another choice is to climb up the left side of slide area, turn left near top to enter woods and climb through woods to top of slide area. The second choice seemed easier on Nov 20th. "
Bob Fisher -
Longmont, CO -
Date Posted: November 21, 2013

"Landslide during Sept'13 rains cut 100 yard swath through the trail. Water flow has cut ravines 5-15 feet deep in center of slide area. Hikers advised to exercise caution. Hikers can cross landslide area by climbing almost to top of slide area to cross then finding trail again on opposite side of slide. "
Bob -
Longmont, CO -
Date Posted: November 12, 2013

"Nice trail but not exactly easy. Taking young children would be doable but plan on extra time. It took us right at four and a half hours with no kids. Beautiful views from the top and from a few places along the way. Weather was perfect. "
Staci Bell -
Lincoln, NE -
Date Posted: September 1, 2013

"Wonderful hike(Twin Sisters Peaks). A nice trail with spectacular views as you climb and then totally rewarded with a beautiful vista at the top. We started at 7:30, hit the summit at 10:00. Return trip took 1 and a half hours. Highly recommend! A ranger suggested the hike - Thank you Don!"
Lu -
Estes Park, CO -
Date Posted: July 29, 2013

"Such a great day! We started around 9 am and finished early afternoon. The weather was stunning throughout the trek. The entire experience was gorgeous and enjoyable. The views were divine. I highly recommend"
Nate -
Arvada, CO -
Date Posted: July 27, 2013

"Fairly easy constant incline to the peak. Very quiet and peaceful. Very few people on the trail when i went. The view from the peak is stunning! I recommend! "
Ty -
Boulder, CO -
Date Posted: September 18, 2012

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